What happened
On August 23, 2009, a Socata TB9 Tampico, registration F-GFQC, departed from Cannes Mandelieu airport for a flight to Alès. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and four passengers. During the climb, the pilot contacted Nice Information to indicate an intention to climb to flight level 650. Shortly after, while at an altitude of approximately 3,720 feet, a stall warning was audible on the radio transmission. The aircraft's radar contact was lost minutes later, and the wreckage was subsequently discovered in a pine forest near Callas.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's weight and balance, the pilot's experience, and the meteorological conditions. Investigators determined that the aircraft was operating in an unsafe configuration. The weight of the occupants and baggage was estimated to be between 3,050 and 3,500 kg, which placed the aircraft significantly above its maximum takeoff weight of 1,060 kg. Furthermore, the center of gravity was calculated to be behind the aft limit.
Analysis of the wreckage revealed that the main landing gear was missing its wheel fairings, which could affect aerodynamic performance. The investigation also examined the pilot's flight history, noting that he had recently obtained his private pilot license and was performing his first long-distance flight as pilot-in-command. Meteorological data indicated the presence of maritime cloud layers (stratus and stratocumulus) that could have obscured visual references.
Findings
- The aircraft was overweight and the center of gravity was located beyond the rear limit, which increased longitudinal instability and raised the stall speed.
- The pilot lacked sufficient experience in instrument flight and managing flight in low-visibility conditions.
- The decision to continue the flight despite approaching cloud layers contributed to the loss of control.
- The aircraft experienced a stall, likely due to the pilot attempting to climb through a thickening cloud layer, which led to a rapid descent and impact.